8-Track digital recorders

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physicsdude

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Hi. I have a question that I hope someone can help me with. I am looking to but a digital 8-track recorder and have done some reading on the various models (BR8, MD8, FD8, VS840EX, VS880EX, DPS12). I'm sure I would be reasonably happy with any of these recorders, but I would like to get the best model for my purposes.

Okay, so what do I want? I want to be able to record at least 4 tracks simultaneously, an analog mixer built in, and built in effects.

I don't think there's any unit that has all these features, but maybe I'm wrong or have overlooked something. It seems like the Roland VS series has great effects and can record 4 or 8 tracks, but no analog mixer. The BR8 and FD8 can only record 2 tracks at a time. The MD8 has no built in effects.

Any suggestions on what to do?

aTdHvAaNnKcSe
 
Just puttin' in the usual plug for PC recording. There are many good reasons to climb the learning curve and bypass a dedicated digtal 8-track. More bang for your buck is one of 'em. Unless you really need to be portable, or just can't stand the thought of computer recording, I wouldn't suggest a dedicated digital 8-track at all.
 
Why is the analog mixer so important to you?On the Fostex machines(FD-4,8),whenever you track bounce the signal goes back out to analog,then back in,which will probably have audible effect if you do it more than once,whereas with the Rolands or others w/digital mixer,you stay digital 'till it's finished.Is it the learning curve that makes you hesitant,or do you feel the sound quality will be better w/analog mixer?
 
Yo Dude of the Psyches:>

Some Junior Colleges offer an electronic music class; in Grand Rapids, Mi., we have such a course and I'm going to take now that I've early-outed from my teaching gig.

They use Roland stuff here; thus, a course like this might be offered in your area and it would certainly cut the "learning" curve down for many models out there.

I use the Yam MD-8; I have two FX boxes and I run them right into the unit; so, I have a two-way choice for FX. The MD8 also can record and play back 8 tracks; I've never needed to do that. Two tracks at a time works with me, drums/chords; then, it's over-dub city until finished and ready to mix.

The MD8 is easy to start using; but, like all the other boxes, it gets sticky because the manual was written by a person with sideways thinking.

Explore and jump in.

Green Hornet
 
Hornet, I am also a Michigander, and I would like to get a minor or more in music/music recording. Which school would be best do you think? And does anyone know why most of these digital recorders have few XLR jacks?
 
I studied 'em all too and finally bought the Roland 880-EX. I needed portability and wanted to be able to record 8 tracks at once. As it turns out tracks 7 and 8 are digital-only inputs. Realistically one records mic or line inputs on 1 thru 6, reserving 7 and 8 for mixdown and eventual digital out. The 880 offered what I wanted for a thousand less than the 1680.

Tascam is bringing out a 16-track recorder (8 simultaneous) for several hundred less than the Roland 880. Big difference would be knobs instead of menus, a plus to me. Apparently this translates to analog mixing instead of keeping everything pure digital like the Roland. This would have been fine with me but I couldn't wait, project had to be done in April. Roland also has the reputation of being el primo. I'm happy with my choice but the learning curve has been brutal. The new Tascam might be perfect for you and with knobs should be very friendly.

Also read Dragon's article on the 8-track cassette-based recorder. End of an era but still a good piece of gear.
 
Thanks for the replies. Here's a bit more information. I am interested in the analog mixer mainly for ease of use. The only real complaints I ever hear from Roland 880 users is that they wish they had an analog mixer.

However, it appears that I would be better off going with something like the Akai DPS12 (mainly for cost purposes). I did hear about a new Fostex VF16 that sounds pretty darn good selling for $1200. A bit more than I wanted to spend, but tempting nonetheless. (Do I really need 16 tracks? Probably not, unless I buy an 8 track machince).
 
just to let you know, i'm almost positive that knobs do not necessarily mean it's an analog mixer... but it is likely
 
I had a feeling your desire for an analog mixer had to do with it's potential complexity.I have been using the VS880EX for 18 months now,and yes,there were some things about it that were hard at first,but I feel it's more because of the Japlish manual than the actual machine.Most of the mixer functions on the 880 work like an analog board,except you turn the data wheel to change values instead of knobs.If I were in the market for a new machine now like you are I'd wait 'till the end of the summer 'cause the 890 will be out by then probably,or else the Fostex VF=16 looks pretty interesting.Cheers!
 
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